Phlebotomy and Specimen Collection Worksheet

Total Time: 55 minutes

Introduction to Phlebotomy and Specimen Collection

Time: 5 minutes

This worksheet will cover essential concepts of phlebotomy and various specimen collection methods. Understanding how to correctly collect blood and other specimens is vital for ensuring patient safety and obtaining accurate test results.

Short Answer & Fill in the Blank Questions

Time: 40 minutes

Define phlebotomy.
List the main components of the vascular system involved in blood specimen collection.
What is the primary purpose of collecting blood specimens?
Describe the difference between arteries and veins.
What color is the top of a blood collection tube that contains sodium citrate as an additive?
Explain the importance of patient identification before collecting a specimen.
What is meant by ‘standard precautions’ in phlebotomy?
List two acceptable forms of patient identification.
Describe the procedure for performing a venipuncture.
Why is it essential to confirm consent before performing phlebotomy?
Explain the risks associated with incorrect specimen collection.
What factors can contribute to a hematoma during venipuncture?
Describe the proper steps to take if a patient expresses fear of needles.
How should all specimens be labeled?
Name the type of blood collection preferred for infants under one year.
What is the maximum time a tourniquet should be applied?
Explain the term ‘hemoconcentration.’
What is the purpose of capillary blood collection?
Name and describe the three types of blood present in a dermal puncture.
What specific guidelines must be followed when performing a heel stick?
Identify common complications of phlebotomy.
Why is using the right gauge needle important?
What are the steps for filling tubes in the correct order of draw?
List the key components of an evacuated tube system (ETS).
What is a clean-catch midstream urine specimen and why is it important?
Describe the correct way to perform a clean-catch urine specimen collection.
Why should the patient wash their hands before collecting a urine specimen?
What are the specific instructions for performing a timed urine specimen collection?
Explain the importance of avoiding contamination in specimens.
What are some quality control measures for glucose testing?
What must a technician do if they notice an expired tube before collection?
Discuss the implications of not having the right patient identifiers during specimen collection.
How does patient positioning affect venipuncture success?
What is the recommendation for cleaning a venipuncture site?
Outline the procedure for transferring blood from a syringe to an evacuated tube.
What is the proper way to dispose of used needles?
Describe the role of pressure bandages post-venipuncture.
Define the term ‘chain of custody’ in the context of specimen collection.
Explain why hemolysis could affect test results.
What should a phlebotomist do if they miss the vein during collection?
Name two factors that could affect specimen composition.
What are the potential risks of not following established guidelines during specimen transport?
Outline the differences between the evacuated tube method and the butterfly method.
Describe how to handle specimens that are sensitive to light.
Why is it crucial to transport microbiology specimens promptly?

Answer Key for Short Answer & Fill in the Blank Questions

Time: 10 minutes

Phlebotomy is the practice of drawing blood from veins.
The main components are arteries, veins, and capillaries.
The primary purpose is for diagnostic testing.
Arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart, while veins return deoxygenated blood to the heart.
Light blue.
It ensures the correct specimen is collected from the correct patient.
It includes using personal protective equipment and hand hygiene.
Patient name and date of birth.
Clean the site, apply the tourniquet, identify the vein, insert the needle, collect the sample, remove the tourniquet, withdraw the needle, and apply pressure to the site.
Without consent, the procedure may be considered battery.
Incorrect collection can lead to misdiagnosis and additional procedures.
Factors include improper needle insertion, excessive pressure, or puncturing through the vein.
Reassure them, explain the procedure, or use a distraction method.
Immediately after collection, using specific patient details and timestamps.
A dermal puncture.
1 minute.
Hemoconcentration occurs when blood components are concentrated due to prolonged tourniquet use.
To perform tests that require minimal blood volume.
Arterial, capillary, and venous blood.
Use a sterile lancet and perform it on the appropriate site.
Hematomas, infections, nerve damage, and dizziness.
The right gauge minimizes pain and maximizes blood flow.
Follow the order: Blood culture, light blue, red, green, lavender, gray.
Gloves, isopropyl alcohol swabs, blood collection tubes, and a tourniquet.
It minimizes contamination for UTIs and other infections.
Instruct the patient on cleansing and collection steps.
To prevent contamination of the specimen.
Specific time intervals for 24 hours and handling techniques.
Contamination can lead to inaccurate test results.
Perform liquid controls daily; document all tests and results.
Do not use it; instead, get a new tube.
Risk of wrong diagnoses and treatment errors.
Proper positioning ensures better access to veins.
Cleanse using 70% isopropyl alcohol with back-and-forth scrubbing.
Use a transfer device gently and avoid forceful pressure.
In a designated sharps container immediately after use.
It aids in clotting and minimizes swelling.
The chain of custody protects the integrity of specimens for legal purposes.
Hemolysis can lead to inaccurate tests for glucose and potassium.
Use a new needle, reassess the site, and try again.
Patient condition and sample handling.
Delays can compromise specimen integrity and test accuracy.
The evacuated tube method allows for quick collection; the butterfly method is for small veins.
Wrap in aluminum foil to protect from light.
Prompt transport is vital for accurate and timely results.

Fill in the Blank Questions

Phlebotomy is the practice of __________ blood from veins.Answer: drawing
The main components of the vascular system involved in blood specimen collection are __________, __________, and __________.Answer: arteries, veins, capillaries
The primary purpose of collecting blood specimens is for __________ testing.Answer: diagnostic
Arteries carry __________ blood away from the heart, while veins return __________ blood to the heart.Answer: oxygenated, deoxygenated
The color of the top of a blood collection tube that contains sodium citrate as an additive is __________.Answer: light blue
It is important to confirm __________ before performing phlebotomy.Answer: consent
Standard precautions in phlebotomy include using personal protective equipment and __________ hygiene.Answer: hand
A common form of patient identification is the patient's __________ and __________ of birth.Answer: name, date
When performing a venipuncture, the proper steps are to clean the site, apply the __________, identify the vein, insert the needle, collect the sample, remove the tourniquet, withdraw the needle, and apply __________ to the site.Answer: tourniquet, pressure
If a patient expresses fear of needles, a technician should __________ them and explain the procedure.Answer: reassure
The maximum time a tourniquet should be applied is __________ minute(s).Answer: 1
Hemoconcentration occurs when blood components are concentrated due to prolonged __________ use.Answer: tourniquet
The term used to describe the procedure for transferring blood from a syringe to an evacuated tube is __________.Answer: transfer
The proper way to dispose of used needles is in a designated __________ container immediately after use.Answer: sharps
The chain of custody protects the integrity of specimens for __________ purposes.Answer: legal
Hemolysis can lead to inaccurate tests for __________ and __________.Answer: glucose, potassium
Patient condition and sample __________ can affect specimen composition.Answer: handling
The evacuated tube method allows for quick collection; the __________ method is used for small veins.Answer: butterfly
Transporting microbiology specimens promptly is crucial for accurate and timely __________.Answer: results
Contamination can lead to __________ test results.Answer: inaccurate

Fill in the Blank Questions

Phlebotomy is the practice of __________ blood from veins.Answer: drawing
The main components of the vascular system involved in blood specimen collection are __________, __________, and __________.Answer: arteries, veins, capillaries
The primary purpose of collecting blood specimens is for __________ testing.Answer: diagnostic
Arteries carry __________ blood away from the heart, while veins return __________ blood to the heart.Answer: oxygenated, deoxygenated
The color of the top of a blood collection tube that contains sodium citrate as an additive is __________.Answer: light blue
It is important to confirm __________ before performing phlebotomy.Answer: consent
Standard precautions in phlebotomy include using personal protective equipment and __________ hygiene.Answer: hand
A common form of patient identification is the patient's __________ and __________ of birth.Answer: name, date
When performing a venipuncture, the proper steps are to clean the site, apply the __________, identify the vein, insert the needle, collect the sample, remove the tourniquet, withdraw the needle, and apply __________ to the site.Answer: tourniquet, pressure
If a patient expresses fear of needles, a technician should __________ them and explain the procedure.Answer: reassure
The maximum time a tourniquet should be applied is __________ minute(s).Answer: 1
Hemoconcentration occurs when blood components are concentrated due to prolonged __________ use.Answer: tourniquet
The term used to describe the procedure for transferring blood from a syringe to an evacuated tube is __________.Answer: transfer
The proper way to dispose of used needles is in a designated __________ container immediately after use.Answer: sharps
The chain of custody protects the integrity of specimens for __________ purposes.Answer: legal
Hemolysis can lead to inaccurate tests for __________ and __________.Answer: glucose, potassium
Patient condition and sample __________ can affect specimen composition.Answer: handling
The evacuated tube method allows for quick collection; the __________ method is used for small veins.Answer: butterfly
Transporting microbiology specimens promptly is crucial for accurate and timely __________.Answer: results
Contamination can lead to __________ test results.Answer: inaccurate